Squeezable beverage bottle and filter system

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure could generally provide a relatively easily squeezable beverage bottle that allows control of the flow rate of the liquid being dispensed to the user. The bottle could provide sufficient radial rigidity—or resistance to squeezing—to return to its original shape (or “bounce back”) at a suitable rate without experiencing permanent deformation or denting and to withstand the rigors of filling, shipping, transporting, dispensing, etc. The present disclosure generally provides a beverage bottle filtering system that provides adequate filtering of water taken from the bottle at a suitable rate. In one embodiment, the present disclosure could include a support system to adequately secure the filter media within a filter housing while ensuring a sufficient compression fit and seal of filter media within filter system to eliminate “bypass flow” (i.e., water that might leak past filter system) and prevent consumption of unfiltered water.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to containers and, inparticular, to squeezable beverage bottles. The present disclosurefurther relates generally to filtering systems for beverage bottles.

BACKGROUND

Conventional portable water bottles are typically used to provide athirst-quenching liquid to a person. Such bottles often include aplastic container having a removable lid, cover, cap, or other structuresecured to an opening of the container to close off the container. Watercould be obtained from the container for drinking by squeezing thecontainer and forcing the water through the opening. Such containerslack sufficient elasticity to return to their original shape (or “bounceback”) at a suitable rate and without experiencing permanent deformationor denting. Such containers ultimately further deform and degrade afterrepeated attempts to squeeze such containers.

Conventional portable water bottles typically require the user toproactively inhale air from and suck on an opening of the bottle tofacilitate a sufficient flow to force water through the opening of thebottle. Such bottles require the user to proactively use force on anopening of the bottle to facilitate water discharge.

An object of one embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide arelatively inexpensive squeezable beverage bottle that is relativelyeasy to squeeze, provides a desirable flow rate, and exhibits sufficientradial rigidity to resist damage and/or undesired deformation even afterrepeated handling and squeezing. Another object of the presentdisclosure is to provide a squeezable beverage bottle used as part of abottle mountable filtration system.

Further, there is no guarantee on the integrity or degree of filteringfor water obtained from conventional portable water bottles.Conventional filter media materials such as, for example, carbonfilters, easily break apart and require special handling. Conventionalmanufacturing methods for filtering systems often times result in wastedfilter media material.

Therefore, an object of one embodiment of the present disclosure is toprovide a relatively inexpensive filter system for a beverage bottlethat provides an acceptable degree of filtering of water transported inthe bottle and provides a desirable flow rate. Another object of thepresent disclosure is to provide an easy to manufacture andcost-effective bottle mountable filtration system.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a squeezablebeverage bottle exhibiting one or more of several desirablecharacteristics.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure could provide a relativelyeasily squeezable beverage bottle that allows control of the flow rateof the liquid being dispensed to the user while providing sufficientradial rigidity or resistance to squeezing - to return to its originalshape (or “bounce back”) at a suitable rate without experiencingpermanent deformation or denting and to withstand the rigors of filling,shipping, transporting, dispensing, repeated squeezes, and subsequentuses.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure could provide a squeezablebeverage bottle used as part of a bottle mountable filtration system.The present disclosure could control the flow rate of liquid dischargedfrom a beverage bottle and through the bottle mountable filtrationsystem for the liquid contained in the beverage bottle.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure could provide a bottleincluding an elastic quality that aids in retaining its shape foraesthetic and functional reasons (e.g., to sit upright or to facilitatefuture flow of water).

In one embodiment, the present disclosure could provide a relativelyinexpensive disposable bottle or, alternatively, a reusable bottle fortransporting water or other liquids to thus provide an environmentallyfriendly option to conventional bottles.

Embodiments of the present disclosure could provide a bottle mountablefiltration system that delivers an acceptable level of filtration ofwater transported in the bottle.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure could provide a bottle filtersystem. The system could include a filter media having a first enddisposed along the proximate end of a filter housing and a second enddisposed along the distal end of the filter housing. The filter couldalso include a support structure disposed along an interior surface ofthe proximate end of the filter housing. The support structure couldcompress the first end of the filter media to prevent water housed inthe bottle from bypassing the compressed seal between the supportstructure and the filter media.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure could provide a bottle filtersystem. The system could include a filter housing removably mountedwithin a bottle having a proximate end and a distal end. The systemcould also include a filter media comprising a first end and a secondend. The first end could be disposed along the proximate end of thefilter housing and the second end could be disposed along the distal endof the filter housing. The system could also include a support structuredisposed along an interior surface of the proximate end of the filterhousing. The support structure could be further disposed along a bottomsurface of a discharge mechanism of the bottle. The support structurecould be configured to cut into the first end of the filter media whenthe filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing.The system could also include a secondary support structure disposedalong an interior surface of the distal end of the filter housing. Thesecondary support structure could be configured to cut into the secondend of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged positionwithin the filter housing.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure could provide a bottle filtersystem. The system could include a filter housing removably mountedwithin a bottle having a proximate end and a distal end. The systemcould also include a carbon-based filter media comprising a first endand a second end. The first end could be disposed along the proximateend of the filter housing and the second end could be disposed along thedistal end of the filter housing. The system could also include anannular support structure disposed along an interior surface of theproximate end of the filter housing and further disposed along a bottomsurface of a discharge mechanism of the bottle. The support structurecould be configured to cut into the first end of the filter media whenthe filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing.The system could also include a crossbar-like secondary supportstructure disposed along an interior surface of the distal end of thefilter housing. The secondary support structure could be configured tocut into the second end of the filter media when the filter media is inan engaged position within the filter housing.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in theart from the following figures, descriptions and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features,reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a somewhat simplified side plan view of a relatively smallreusable squeezable beverage bottle according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a somewhat simplified top plan view of the bottle shown inFIG. 1A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1C is a somewhat simplified bottom plan view of the bottle shown inFIG. 1A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a somewhat simplified side plan view of a relatively smallreusable squeezable beverage bottle fitted with a filter according toone embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a somewhat simplified top plan view of the bottle and filtershown in FIG. 2A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2C is a somewhat simplified bottom plan view of the bottle andfilter shown in FIG. 2A according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3A is a somewhat simplified exploded perspective view of the bottleand filter shown in FIG. 2A according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3B is a somewhat simplified perspective view of the bottle shown inFIG. 3A with the filter in an installed position according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a somewhat simplified side plan view of a relativelymedium-sized reusable squeezable beverage bottle according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a somewhat simplified top plan view of the bottle shown inFIG. 4A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4C is a somewhat simplified bottom plan view of the bottle shown inFIG. 4A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a somewhat simplified side plan view of a relativelymedium-sized reusable squeezable beverage bottle fitted with a filteraccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a somewhat simplified top plan view of the bottle and filtershown in FIG. 5A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5C is a somewhat simplified bottom plan view of the bottle andfilter shown in FIG. 5A according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6A is a somewhat simplified exploded perspective view of the bottleand filter shown in FIG. 5A according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 6B is a somewhat simplified perspective view of the bottle shown inFIG. 6A with the filter in an installed position according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a somewhat simplified side plan view of a relativelylarge-sized reusable squeezable beverage bottle according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a somewhat simplified top plan view of the bottle shown inFIG. 7A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7C is a somewhat simplified bottom plan view of the bottle shown inFIG. 7A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A is a somewhat simplified side plan view of a relativelylarge-sized reusable squeezable beverage bottle fitted with a filteraccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B is a somewhat simplified top plan view of the bottle and filtershown in FIG. 8A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8C is a somewhat simplified bottom plan view of the bottle andfilter shown in FIG. 8A according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9A is a somewhat simplified exploded perspective view of the bottleand filter shown in FIG. 8A according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9B is a somewhat simplified perspective view of the bottle shown inFIG. 9A with the filter in an installed position according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10A is a somewhat simplified side plan view of a filter systemaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10B is a somewhat simplified view along section 10B-10B of thefilter system shown in FIG. 10A according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10C is a somewhat simplified top plan view of the filter systemshown in FIG. 10A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10D is a somewhat simplified view along section 10D-10D of thefilter system shown in FIG. 10C according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 10E is a somewhat simplified perspective view of the filter systemshown in FIG. 10A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11A is a somewhat simplified plan view of a filter system anddischarge mechanism assembly according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11B is a somewhat simplified view along section 11B-11B of thefilter system and discharge mechanism shown in FIG. 11A; and

FIG. 12 is a somewhat simplified flow diagram illustrating a method ofdisposing filter media within a filter cartridge according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally provides a beverage bottle that, whilebeing squeezable, also has sufficient rigidity and elasticity to returnto its original shape (or “bounce back”) at a suitable rate withoutexperiencing permanent deformation or denting. In one embodiment, thepresent disclosure could provide a squeezable beverage bottle used aspart of a bottle mountable filtration system. As an example, the presentdisclosure could be particularly suitable for use in a bottle mountablefiltration system such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,569,329and 5,609,759.

In another aspect, the present disclosure generally provides arelatively inexpensive filtration system for disposable bottles or,alternatively, reusable bottles for transporting water or other liquidsto thus provide an environmentally friendly option to conventionalbottled water systems. In one embodiment, the present disclosure couldinclude a support system to adequately secure the filter media within afilter housing while ensuring a sufficient compression fit and seal offilter media within filter system to eliminate “bypass flow” (i.e.,water that might leak past filter system) and prevent consumption ofunfiltered water.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure could be particularly suitablefor use in a bottle mountable filtration system such as those disclosedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,569,329 and 5,609,759. Although the followingdescription generally describes a filter system for use with a“squeezable” bottle, it should be understood that embodiments of thefilter system of the present disclosure could be used with any suitablysized, shaped, or configured bottle, container, or container-likereceptacle including, for example, rigid bottles and containers that arenot squeezable. FIGS. 1A-2C are somewhat simplified plan views of arelatively small reusable squeezable beverage bottle 100 according toone embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A is a somewhatsimplified exploded perspective view of bottle 100, while FIG. 3B is asomewhat simplified perspective view of bottle 100 according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood thatbottle 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-3B are for illustrative purposes only andthat any other bottle or bottle-like system or subsystem could be usedin conjunction with or in lieu of bottle 100 according to one embodimentof the present disclosure.

In addition, FIGS. 1A-3B illustrate a relatively small bottle 100 (e.g.,375 mL bottle), and FIGS. 4A-6B similarly illustrate a relativelymedium-sized bottle 400 (e.g., 550 mL bottle) having similarcharacteristics to bottle 100.

Likewise, FIGS. 7A-9B illustrate a relatively large-sized bottle 700(e.g., 1000 mL bottle) having similar characteristics to bottle 100. Itshould be understood that bottles 100, 400, and 700 shown in FIGS.1A-3B, 4A-6B, and 7A-9B, respectively, are for illustrative purposesonly and that any other bottle or bottle-like system or subsystem,regardless of volume capacity, could be used in conjunction with or inlieu of bottles 100, 400, and 700 according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10A is a somewhat simplified side plan view of a filter system 118for use with bottles 100, 400, and 700 according to one embodiment ofthe present disclosure, while FIG. 10B is a somewhat simplified viewalong section 10B-10B of filter system 118. FIG. 10C is a somewhatsimplified top plan view of the filter system shown in FIG. 10Aaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure, while FIG. 10D isa somewhat simplified view along section 10D-10D of the filter systemshown in FIG. 10C. Additionally, FIG. 10E is a somewhat simplifiedperspective view of the filter system shown in FIG. 10A according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood thatfilter system 118 shown in FIGS. 10A-E is for illustrative purposes onlyand that any other filter or filter-like system or subsystem could beused in conjunction with or in lieu of filter system 118 according toone embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A is a somewhat simplified plan view of a filter system 118 anddischarge mechanism 116 assembly according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure, while FIG. 11B is a somewhat simplified view alongsection 11B-11B of the filter system and discharge mechanism assemblyshown in FIG. 11A. It should be understood that the filter system 118and discharge mechanism 116 assembly shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B are forillustrative purposes only and that any other filter or filter-likesystem or subsystem, or discharge mechanism system or subsystem could beused in conjunction with or in lieu of filter system 118 or dischargemechanism 116 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Although bottles 100, 400, and 700 are generally illustrated having asomewhat contoured hourglass-like shape and a relatively smooth exteriorsurface, it should be understood that bottles 100, 400, and 700 couldinclude any suitable size, shape, configuration, structure, accessory,or other various features according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

In one embodiment, bottles 100, 400, and 700 could include elongatedbody 102 having a concave portion (or “waist”) 104, cap 106, neck 108,opening 110, screw top 111, bottom 112, gate vestige 114, dischargemechanism 116, filter system 118, filter media 120, and discharge tube122 as generally shown in FIGS. 1A-9B.

Bottles 100, 400, and 700 and their individual components could be madeof any suitable material including, for example, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET or PETE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), lowdensity polyethylene (LDPE), thermoplastic polymer, polypropylene,oriented polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyester, high-gloss polyester, metal,synthetic rubber, natural rubber, silicone, nylon, polymer,antibacterial or antimicrobial materials, insulating, thermal, othersuitable sustainable or biodegradable materials, or any combinationthereof according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, bottle 100 could be made of about 28.0 g±2.0 g PETE,bottle 400 could be made of about 37.0 g±2.0 g PETE, and bottle 700could be made of about 47.0 g±2.0 g PETE. In still other embodiments,bottle 100 could be made of about 18.0 g±2.0 g oriented polypropylene,bottle 400 could be made of about 24.0 g±2.0 g oriented polypropylene,and bottle 700 could be made of about 31.0 g±2.0 g orientedpolypropylene.

In one embodiment, bottles 100, 400, and 700 could be manufacturedaccording to certain specifications (e.g., wall thickness or weight ofmaterial) to achieve desired performance criteria. As an example, therelative dimensions of bottles 100, 400, and 700 could be customized toachieve certain desirable physical or performance characteristics suchas, for example, bottle stiffness, recovery strength, flow rate,discharge rate, material distribution, side load rigidity, waistdiameter, waist to base diameter ratio, waist to outer diameter ratio,angle of transition of the shoulder, filter specifications, bottlevolume limits, material integrity, material sustainability,antibacterial or antimicrobial specifications, other suitable “bounceback” or environmental related thresholds, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, bottle 100 could generally include a height of about6.00 inches, an outer diameter of about 2.81 inches, and a waist toouter diameter ratio of about 80.0%±5.0%. Similarly, in one embodiment,bottle 400 could generally include a height of about 7.34 inches, anouter diameter of about 3.01 inches, and a waist to outer diameter ratioof about 80.0%±5.0%. Likewise, in one embodiment, bottle 700 couldgenerally include a height of about 9.26 inches, an outer diameter ofabout 3.48 inches, and a waist to outer diameter ratio of about80.0%±5.0%.

In one embodiment, the wall of elongated body 102 could be made of PETand include a thickness in the range of about 0.018-0.028 inches toachieve material usage efficiency and a reduction in environmentaleffects. With this range of wall thickness, bottles 100, 400, and 700generally exhibit favorable elasticity properties after being squeezed.Bottles 100, 400, and 700 thus retain their shape and structuralintegrity even after repeated use unlike conventional disposable waterbottles, which typically have a wall thickness of about 0.008-0.012inches. In a more specific embodiment, the wall thickness of bottles100, 400, and 700 could include a thickness of about 0.023 inches. Itshould be understood that bottles 100, 400, and 700 could bemanufactured with thicker (or thinner) walls to provide sufficientrecovery force for the “bounce back” or breathing cycle allowing bottles100, 400, and 700 to return to their original shape according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, elongated body 102 and other parts of bottles 100,400, and 700 could include a blow-molded plastic structure manufacturedusing, for example, a generally two-step process according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. The two-step process could includemaking an appropriate “pre-form” structure using an injection moldingtechnique and then creating the final bottle shape (including, forexample, concave portion 104, neck 108, opening 110, bottom 112, andgate vestige 114) using a “reheat and stretch” blow molding technique.In one embodiment, the plastic or other material used to make elongatedbody 102 is heated in an extruder, which extrudes a tubular stream ofplastic forming the general structure for bottles 100, 400, and 700.

In one example, a container mold, corresponding to the shape of bottles100, 400, or 700, closes around the outer part of the tubular stream ofplastic. Compressed air could be inserted near the top of the mold toblow pressure into the mold, creating pressure which pushes the tubularplastic stream outward along the contour of the inside of the mold. Inthis manner, the plastic stream is shaped and cooled to produce thedesired plastic container for bottles 100, 400, or 700. In addition,elongated body 102 could include a smooth exterior surface to allowadhesive labels to adhere sufficiently or printing/etching on theexterior surface of bottles 100, 400, and 700.

In one embodiment, elongated body 102 could aid in handling bottles 100,400, and 700. For example, concave portion 104 could be relativelyeasily squeezed by hand to facilitate the flow of liquid out of bottles100, 400, and 700. Elongated body 102 could exhibit a favorable rate ofdeformation and return to its original shape (i.e., “breathability”)after one uses bottles 100, 400, and 700. As an example, if one were tosqueeze bottle 100 (e.g., generally in the area including concaveportion 104) to facilitate the flow of liquid to an opening of bottle100 via discharge tube 122, bottle 100 could exhibit sufficient rigidityand elasticity to return air into bottle 100. Accordingly, bottle 100could return to its original shape (or “bounce back”) at a suitable ratewithout experiencing permanent deformation or denting to any surface ofbottle 100 or bottle 100 in general.

Similarly, if bottle 100 were fitted with bottle mountable filter system118 as shown in FIG. 2A, for example, and one were to squeeze bottle 100to facilitate the flow of liquid from bottle 100 through filter 118 anddischarge tube 122, bottle 100 could exhibit sufficient rigidity andelasticity to return air into bottle 100 and thus restore bottle 100 toits original shape (or “bounce back”). This “bounce back” behavior couldoccur at a suitable rate without any permanent deformation or denting toany surface of bottle 100 or bottle 100 in general. In addition, bottle100 could be squeezed using a reasonable threshold (i.e., notexcessively hard) to achieve sufficient flow rates of the liquiddischarging from bottle 100. In one embodiment, liquid could bedischarged by proactively inhaling air from and sucking on dischargemechanism 116 and facilitating a sufficient flow of water out of bottle100. In another embodiment, liquid could be discharged from bottle 100by simultaneously squeezing bottle 100 using a reasonable threshold andinhaling air from and sucking on discharge mechanism 116.

The ratio between the smallest outside diameter of concave portion 104to the largest outside diameter of body 102 can be controlled to yieldfavorable aesthetic and structural characteristics according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. If, for example, bottle 100included a ratio significantly smaller than the preferred ratio, it maybe difficult to achieve proper distribution of material during the blowmolding process and bottle 100 (and, in particular, its sidewalls) maybe subject to kinking and permanent distortion when squeezed. If, forexample, bottle 100 included a ratio significantly larger than thepreferred ratio, the aesthetically desired hourglass shape of bottle 100may be difficult to achieve.

In one embodiment, the ratio between the major outer diameters ofbottles 100, 400, and 700 and their respective concave portions 104(i.e., the waist) could be about 80.0%±5.0%. In other words, in oneexample, if the outside diameter of bottle 100 is about 2.81 inches,then the smallest outside diameter of concave portion 104 could be about2.22 inches±0.140 inches. Similarly, if the outside diameter of bottle400 is about 3.01 inches, then the smallest outside diameter of concaveportion 104 could be about 2.41 inches±0.150 inches. Likewise, if theoutside diameter of bottle 700 is about 3.48 inches, then the smallestoutside diameter of concave portion 104 could be about 2.79 inches±0.174inches.

Cap 106, neck 108, opening 110, bottom 112, gate vestige 114, anddischarge mechanism 116 generally shown in FIGS. 1A-9B could include anysuitable size, shape, configuration, structure, accessory, or othervarious features according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.In one example, cap 106, neck 108, opening 110, bottom 112, gate vestige114, and/or discharge mechanism 116 could be coated with or treated withantibacterial or antimicrobial materials to reduce contamination of thewater stored in or dispersed by bottles 100, 400, and 700.

In one embodiment, cap 106 could be coupled with neck 108, opening 110,and/or discharge mechanism 116 to provide a cover for bottles 100, 400,and 700. Neck 108 is generally disposed between one end of body 102 andopening 110. In one embodiment, neck 108 could generally include aninner diameter of about 1.040 inches and any reasonable range oftolerances. The angle of transition of the shoulder (i.e., the anglebetween: (a) a tangent to body 102 at an intersection between body 102and neck 108; and (b) a line perpendicular to a vertical axis of body102) could be controlled to aid in distribution of material during theblow molding process to make bottles 100, 400, and 700. Although thetransition angle could be in the range of about 20.0-45.0 degrees, inone embodiment, the transition angle could be about 30.0 degrees andcould include any reasonable range of tolerances.

In one embodiment, opening 110 could generally include an inner diameterof about 1.040 inches and include any reasonable range of tolerances. Inone embodiment, gate vestige 114 could be disposed along bottom 112 andcould generally provide bottles 100, 400, and 700 additional burststrength or resistance. Discharge mechanism 116 could be coupled to neck108 and opening 110 and provide an outlet for dispersing filtered waterto the user according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Screw top 111 could include any suitable structure to retain orotherwise couple discharge mechanism 116 to neck 108 according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, screw top 111could include a clockwise oriented thread or a counter-clockwiseoriented thread. It should be understood, however, that any suitablemechanism of coupling discharge mechanism 116 to neck 108 could be usedaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure including, forexample, a compression coupling, magnetic coupling, a coupling sleeve,any other suitable coupling mechanism, or any combination thereof.

Filter system 118 is generally coupled with and fluidly connects bottles100, 400, and 700 containing liquids to discharge mechanism 116according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Filter system 118could be reused, retrofitted, or replaced as needed or desired. Filtersystem 118 could include a filter housing having a height of about 3.407inches and an outer diameter of about 0.911 inches, and a slottedfiltering area with a height of about 3.092 inches according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the surface area of filter system 118 available tothe contents of bottles 100, 400, and 700 could affect the filteringcapability of bottles 100, 400, and 700. Filter system 118 could includean outside surface area (including the outside diameter and the bottomof filter system 118) of about 7.44 square inches and an open area(having slots in the housing of filter system) of about 2.50 squareinches according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Filter system 118 could include any suitable filter media 120 including,for example, a carbon, active carbon, charcoal, reverse osmosis,distiller, backwash, other suitable filter, or any combination thereof.In one embodiment, filter media 120 could include one or more carboncartridges having, for example, a height of about 3.10 inches and adiameter of about 0.730 inches. Both the height and diameter of filtermedia 120 could include any reasonable range of tolerance. It has beenobserved, however, that the range of tolerances for filter media 120could be as much as ⅛ of an inch or more. In one embodiment, however,the diameter of filter media 120 could include a tolerance of about±0.010 inches while the length of filter media 120 could include atolerance of about ±0.015 inches.

In one embodiment, filter media 120 could have a water flow rate withina certain range to achieve desired performance criteria. Once water isdischarged through filter system 118 and discharge mechanism 116, theair returning into bottle must pass through this same filter media 120.Accordingly, the return airflow could essentially provide cleansing orbackwashing function that prolongs the usable life of filter system 118according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Similarly, anyresidual liquid remaining in discharge mechanism 116 may return into acorresponding bottle through filter media 120 and provide a cleansing orbackwashing function.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, filter media 120could be secured or otherwise disposed within the filter housing offilter system 118 by supporting structures associated with filter system118 and discharge mechanism 116. For example, a proximate end of filtermedia 120 could be supported by one or more support structures 1002disposed along a bottom surface of discharge mechanism 116, while adistal end of filter media 120 could be supported by one or moresecondary support structures 1004 disposed along an interior surface ofthe housing of filter system 118 as generally shown in FIGS. 10A-10E,11A, and 11B.

In one embodiment, support structure 1002 could be a generally annularstructure disposed along a bottom surface of discharge mechanism 116 andinclude a length sufficient enough to cut into a proximate end of filtermedia 120 as generally shown in FIG. 11B. Secondary support structure1004, on the other hand, could be a generally cross-bar like structuredisposed along an interior bottom surface of the housing of filtersystem 118 as generally shown in FIGS. 10C, 10D, and 10E. Secondarysupport structure 1004 could be configured to cut into a distal end offilter media 120 without crushing filter media 120 when filter media 120is in a fully engaged position within the housing of filter system 118.Since both support structure 1002 and secondary support structure 1004cut into opposite ends of filter media, the housing of filter system 118can accommodate filter media 120 of varying lengths while still applyingcompression force along the length of filter media 120.

It should be understood that support structure 1002 and secondarysupport structure 1004 could accommodate tolerance differences in size,shape, or configuration of filter media 120. Accordingly, supportstructure 1002 and secondary support structure 1004 could ensure asufficient compression fit and seal of filter media 120 within filtersystem 118 and thus eliminate, for example, any “bypass flow” (i.e.,water that might leak past filter system 118) and prevent consumption ofunfiltered water. For example, secondary support structure 1004 mayapply axial pressure to filter media 120 sufficient to force filtermedia 120 against support structure 1002, thus creating a seal betweenfilter media 120 and support structure 1002.

In one embodiment, the distal end of filter media 120 could becompressed against a bottom surface of filter housing 118 by secondarysupport structure 1004. The proximate end of filter media 120 could becompressed against discharge mechanism 116 and in particular supportstructure 1002 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Inone embodiment, when filter media 120 is in a fully engaged position,secondary support structure 1004 could aid in accommodating anydeviations in tolerance in the overall length or shape of filter media120 and ensure an adequate seal between filter media 120 and filtersystem 118. Even if some of filter media 120 are too short and do notfully engage with secondary support structure 1004, the proximate end offilter media 120 still provides an adequate seal with support structure1002 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that support structure 1002 and secondarysupport structure 1004 could include any suitably sized, shaped, orconfigured support structure to secure or otherwise aid in disposingfilter media 120 within the housing of filter system 118. For example,support structure 1002 and secondary support structure 1004 couldinclude an annular structure, tapered structure, ridged structure,ribbed structure, cross-barred structure, protrusion, compressionstructure, cut-in structure, other suitable structure, or anycombination thereof.

Discharge tube 122 could fluidly connect filter system 118 to dischargemechanism 116 and insure that any water discharged from bottles 100,400, and 700 passes through filter system 118 according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, discharge tube122 could thus further eliminate any “bypass flow” (i.e., water thatmight leak past filter system 118) and prevent consumption of unfilteredwater.

Accordingly, by matching the properties of the blow molded bottles 100,400, and 700 to the properties of the filter system 118, bottles 100,400, and 700 could generally provide a fully functioning filtered waterbottle “system” with the necessary degree of filtration and an improveduser experience according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a somewhat simplified flow diagram illustrating method 1200of producing filter system 118 shown in FIG. 11A according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood thatmethod 1200 shown in FIG. 12 is for illustrative purposes only and thatany other suitable method or sub-method could be used in conjunctionwith or in lieu of method 1200 according to one embodiment of thepresent disclosure. It should also be understood that the stepsdescribed in conjunction with method 1200 could be performed in anysuitable order.

Method 1200 could include installing a filter media such as, forexample, filter media 120 described above, to use in filter system 118according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 1202,method 1200 could include selecting an appropriate bottle to store,hold, or otherwise retain unfiltered water or other liquid according toone embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood thatthe selected bottle could include, for example, bottles 100, 400, and700, or could include any suitable size, shape, configuration,structure, accessory, or other various features according to oneembodiment of the present disclosure. In step 1204, method 1200 couldinclude selecting the appropriate size and dimensions for a bottlemountable filter system such as, for example, filter system 118 andfilter media 120 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In step 1206, method 1200 could include disposing or otherwise securingfilter media 120 to a discharge mechanism such as, for example,discharge mechanism 116 according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In step 1208, method 1200 could include disposing andaligning discharge mechanism 116 and filter media 120 with the filterhousing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In somecases, filter media 120 will be crushed against support structureslocated internally within the housing. For example, filter media 120could ensure a sufficient compression fit between support structure 1002and secondary support structure 1004 and thus prevent consumption ofunfiltered water. In one embodiment, a proximate end of filter media 120could be supported by one or more support structures 1002 disposed alonga bottom surface of discharge mechanism 116, while a distal end offilter media 120 could be supported by one or more secondary supportstructures 1004 disposed along an interior surface of the housing offilter system 118 as generally shown in FIGS. 10A-10E, 11A, and 11B.

The present disclosure generally provides a relatively inexpensivefiltration system for disposable bottles or, alternatively, reusablebottles for transporting water or other liquids to thus provide anenvironmentally friendly option to conventional bottled water systems.In one embodiment, the present disclosure could include a support systemto adequately secure the filter media within a filter housing whileensuring a sufficient compression fit and seal of filter media withinfilter system to eliminate water leaking past filter system and preventconsumption of unfiltered water.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words andphrases used in this patent document. The terms “water” and “beverage”are generally used herein to refer to water and any otherthirst-quenching liquids, such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and thelike. A water bottle, canister, or other container may be commonlyreferred to as a “bottle.”

In addition, the term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any director indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or notthose elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms“include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusionwithout limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. Thephrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well asderivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within,interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with,couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave,juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a propertyof, or the like.

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generallyassociated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodimentsand methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly,the above description of example embodiments does not define orconstrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterationsare also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure, as defined by the following claims.

1. A bottle filter system comprising: a filter media having a first end disposed along a proximate end of a filter housing and a second end disposed along a distal end of the filter housing; a support structure disposed along an interior surface of the proximate end of the filter housing, wherein the support structure compresses the first end of the filter media to prevent water housed in a bottle from bypassing a compression seal between the support structure and the filter media; and a secondary support structure disposed along an interior surface of the distal end of the filter housing and configured to cut into a second end of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing.
 2. The bottle filter system of claim 1, wherein the filter housing is removably mounted within the bottle.
 3. (canceled)
 4. The bottle filter system of claim 1, wherein the secondary support structure comprises a generally crossbar-like structure.
 5. The bottle filter system of claim 1, wherein the secondary support structure compresses the second end of the filter media to support the filter media.
 6. The bottle filter system of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a generally annular shape.
 7. The bottle filter system of claim 1, wherein the support structure is further disposed along a bottom surface of a discharge mechanism of the bottle.
 8. The bottle filter system of claim 1, wherein the support structure compresses the first end of the filter media to provide a substantially watertight seal between the support structure and the filter media.
 9. The bottle filter system of claim 1, wherein the filter media comprises a carbon filter.
 10. The bottle filter system of claim 1, wherein a length of the filter media comprises a tolerance of about ±0.015 inches.
 11. The bottle filter system of claim 1, further comprising: a filter housing removably mounted within the bottle and having a proximate end and a distal end, wherein the support structure is further configured to cut into the first end of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing. 13-17. (canceled)
 18. A bottle filter system comprising: a filter housing removably mounted within a bottle and having a proximate end and a distal end; a carbon-based filter media comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is disposed along the proximate end of the filter housing and the second end is disposed along the distal end of the filter housing; an annular support structure disposed along an interior surface of the proximate end of the filter housing and further disposed along a bottom surface of a discharge mechanism of the bottle, wherein the support structure is configured to cut into and compress the first end of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing; and a crossbar-like secondary support structure disposed along an interior surface of the distal end of the filter housing, the secondary support structure configured to cut into the second end of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing.
 19. The bottle filter system of claim 18, wherein the support structure compresses the first end of the filter media to provide a substantially watertight seal between the support structure and the filter media.
 20. The bottle filter system of claim 18, wherein a length of the filter media comprises a tolerance of about ±0.015 inches.
 21. The bottle filter system of claim 2, wherein the bottle comprises a squeezable beverage bottle comprising: an elongate body having a concave waist portion; wherein a ratio of the smallest outer diameter of the concave waist portion to the largest outer diameter of the elongate body is about 80.0%±5.0%.
 22. The bottle filter system of claim 21, wherein a wall thickness of the elongate body ranges from about 0.018 inches to about 0.028 inches.
 23. (canceled)
 24. The bottle filter system of claim 21, wherein the elongate body is formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PETE). 25-26. (canceled)
 27. The bottle filter system of claim 21, wherein the elongate body is formed from oriented polypropylene. 28-31. (canceled)
 32. A squeezable beverage bottle comprising: an elongate body comprising: an upper portion, a concave waist portion, and a lower portion along a height of the elongate body; and a neck portion coupled to the upper portion and forming an opening to an interior of the elongate body; a discharge mechanism coupled to the neck portion of the elongate body; a filter system coupled to the discharge mechanism and extending through the opening into the interior of the elongate body; and a discharge port extending through the discharge mechanism and the filter system in fluid communication with the interior of the elongate body, wherein the filter system includes: a filter media having a first end disposed along a proximate end of a filter housing and a second end disposed along a distal end of the filter housing; a support structure disposed along an interior surface of the proximate end of the filter housing, wherein the support structure compresses the first end of the filter media to prevent water housed in a bottle from bypassing a compression seal between the support structure and the filter media; and a secondary support structure disposed along an interior surface of the distal end of the filter housing and configured to cut into a second end of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing.
 33. The squeezable beverage bottle of claim 32, wherein a ratio of the smallest outer diameter of the concave waist portion to the largest outer diameter of at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion is about 80.0%±5.0%. 